Over the years and I do mean years, there have been much controversy on this issue of women in leadership positions. Today however, as we endeavor in this study we are going to expose the devil and scripturally support God’s choosing of women not only as leaders but outstanding leaders.

In this study, we are going to deal with what the opponents are saying and the truth. The truth of course is what God has said.

* The opponents believe that in the creation women were designed to be helpers for man (Gen 2:18-25). Now this is true, but what is the true meaning of this word in Hebrew? The word used here is ezer. It is used twenty four times in Old Testament and does not carry the connotation of subordination. As a matter of fact, most of the occurrences of this word refer to God.

Ps. 70:6 says of God. “You are my helper and deliver.” Other scriptures where this same word is used: (Psa. 121:1,2; Ex. 18:4; & Duet. 33:29)

So, let me ask you this question. Is God man’s subordinate? The answer is profoundly no and neither is woman subordinate to man. Furthermore, in Gen. 1:28 both of them were told to rule (oordu – radah) over the earth. The Hebrew term radah means to govern or rule. Notice God says for them to rule and not him.

* The opponents also say that the biological difference is why God chooses man. But is biological/physical size something God uses to determine who He anoints? This can’t be true because many men are smaller than the average woman. Besides that read 1st Sam. 16:7 and you will discover that it is man who looks at the outward appearance but God who looks at the heart.

But does God ever use women to rule or to lead His people? Lets’ look at the scriptures?

Ex. 15:20 call Miriam, the sister of Moses, a prophetess. She was a leader in charge of the dance and tambourine ministry. Micah 6:4 further clarify her role. Mariam, Aaron and Moses were all sent to lead God’s people. Okay, I hear you. She was still under Aaron and Moses.

Can a woman then only be in leadership if she has a brother or a husband over her?

Scripture: In Judges chapter 4 and 5 we find Deborah, a judge in Israel. In Judges 4:4 we find that she was a prophetess, wife of Lapidoth, and she was judge of Israel at that time.

* Opponents say that Deborah was permitted of God to lead Israel because no man was available. The only problem with this is that there is no scripture to support such an argument.

Scripture: II Kings 22 & II Chron. 34, records the ministry of another women, the prophetess Huldah. In II Kings 22:8-14 when King Josiah was presented with the book of the law he says, Go inquire of the Lord for me about what is written. Hilkiah, the priest; Acbor; Shaphan, the secretary; and Asaiah, the King’s attendant, went to Huldah the prophetess. Yes, the priest of the Lord went to a woman for spiritual direction.

What interesting about Deborah and Huldah is that both were married but neither of these men is given any title or recognition as leaders, prophets or judges.

Okay, what about the New Testament - Are there any woman listed in leadership positions there?

Luke 2:36 Anna, a prophetess

Acts 9:36 Tabitha, a disciple

Acts 21:8,9 Philip four daughters who prophesied

Phil. 4:2,3 Paul speaks of two women who contended at his side for the Gospel’s sake – He called them “fellow workers along with clement.”

Rom. 16:3,4 Pricilla, another fellow-worker; a co-worker with her husband Aquilla.

Rom. 16:1,3 Phoebe, A leader (Minister) of the congregation in Cenchrea

Rom. 16:7 Mentions a woman Apostle, Junia – But also spoken of by Paul as “Outstanding among the Apostles” There is much controversy in the theological community for the name Junia but you do your own research and allow the Holy Spirit to instruct you.

* Opponents also argue that in 1^st Timothy 2, Paul stated that a woman should not teach. The first principle to understand here is that the books Paul wrote were letters written to specific people dealing with specific issues. In order to gain the real truth, we must do a cultural and historical contextual analysis.

One of the main issues being addressed by Paul in his letter to Timothy is false teaching (1:3-7; 4:1-8 & 6:3-5; 20-21). There is no reason why chapter 2:11-12 should not be viewed the same way. The women apparently were not educated but were usurping authority and abusing authority. Therefore Paul in a venture to regain order said, suffer them not to teach. In other words, do not allow these women to teach as a matter fact let them keep silent in the church.

Was Paul prohibiting all women everywhere not to teach? No. If so, why would he have commended so many? And why would he have told the women in Corinth to wear a covering when praying in public meetings. Was he contradicting himself? No. Other opponents are saying, well Paul did say that the women should have a covering over her head. But what does this mean? This does not mean authority. This is a cultural customary practice. To avoid offense, Paul encourages the women at Corinth to cover their heads when coming into the presence of God.

In conclusion, God has cleared up this whole matter. In I Cor. 11:11-12, we find that men and women are equal. In Gal. 3:28, we find that there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female but we are all one in Christ; and in I Peter 3: 7, it’s been clearly stated that we are heirs together.

Minister Rickey E. Macklin

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